China’s one-child policy: what is it?

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China’s one-child policy is a government-mandated limitation on the number of children certain groups of people in China can have without paying a fine. More correctly called “family planning policy”, it is often misunderstood as forcing all families to have only one child or face severe consequences. In reality, it has many exceptions and enforcement is lax in some areas. Regardless, it remains controversial, as it is seen as a restriction of reproductive rights and sometimes leads to abuse of illegally born children.

Exceptions and loopholes

While many outside China are under the impression that the one-child policy applies to all Chinese citizens, this is not true. In fact, there are a number of exceptions, and the legislation only applies to around 35 percent of citizens, as it only applies to married, urban, ethnic Han couples. Ethnic minorities, those in rural areas and parents without siblings can have more than one child without paying a fine, as can those with a severely disabled or dying child. Exceptions are also made in some circumstances for those who lose their children to natural disasters.

Those in the 35% covered by the legislation often try to find ways around the problem. For example, a couple may have two consecutive children and register them as twins after the birth of the second. Those who can afford it often go to Hong Kong or abroad to have a second child so that they have a foreign passport. Others bribe officials for paperwork or to turn a blind eye. Those who are very rich sometimes have all the children they want and only pay the fine. Some provincial governments discourage this, however, by making the fine a percentage of the parents’ income rather than a flat rate.

effects
China’s one-child policy was introduced in 1979 by leaders concerned about the country’s ability to support a rapidly growing population. While it has been very effective in keeping the country’s population in check, it has had a number of negative social consequences. One of the most notable of these is a serious gender imbalance in China, where there are approximately 120 boys for every 100 girls. Demographic changes caused by politics can also make it difficult for older generations, as the imbalance between young and old makes it more difficult for children to care for their parents and grandparents.

Another problem is the existence of “black” or illegally born children, unregistered children who cannot receive health care or education. Forced sterilizations, female infanticide, and unwanted abortions occur, but the frequency varies from area to area. A further problem is the phenomenon of “little princes and princesses,” who are sons and daughters who become extremely spoiled because their parents give all their attention to their only child.

Benefits mentioned
China’s population growth is slowed by the one-child policy, leading some people to call it a success. However, it is debated how much the legislation actually contributed to the slowdown in population growth. Since many urban areas in China are already overcrowded, a reduction in population growth may have contributed to some social problems worsening. The smaller population may also have prevented the country from having a high unemployment rate, as there is no surplus of workers. Furthermore, the policy is seen by some as having helped China grow economically and contributed to a greater concentration of resources per person.
Controversy
Despite the exceptions and possible benefits, there is much controversy about this legislation both inside and outside China. Many see it as a violation of reproductive and personal rights. It is also sometimes seen as favoring the wealthy, as they are often better able to pay fines. In addition, many people denounce the social effects of China’s one-child policy, especially the related abuse of children and mothers.

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